“When he came to his senses, he said, “How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’”
In the movie, Barefoot, Jay partied his money and life away. When he’s destitute and on parole, the only job available is mopping the floors at a psychiatric hospital. His life is threatened by thugs he had borrowed gambling money from, so he realizes his need for a savior. His parents, rich in resources and money, see redeeming qualities in their son. This prodigal helps others in need, three patients from the psychiatric hospital. But in helping them, he violates his parole. It’s a touching moment when the Prodigal leaves jail and is confused that someone would bail him out. His parents are waiting behind him.
In Romans 1:24 we learn that God gives us over to the sinful desires of our heart. It is when we reach destitution that we come to our senses and realize our need for our Savior. The Prodigal Son remembers he has a father full of love, mercy, and grace who will help him when he asks. The Prodigal is ready for redemption. He admits guilt, repents, realizes he doesn’t deserve his father’s mercy, and he plans to ask his father for redemption.
In the story of the Prodigal Son, the redeemer is Jesus. In the movie, Barefoot, the redeemers are actual parents. As parents, we sometimes hide our children from the redemption process by rescuing them too often. We take away their ability to live life on their own and their need for their Savior, Jesus. I was that parent when my children were in high school. It was exhausting, and luckily for my children I realized they needed to face consequences. They didn’t need me to bail them out again and again. I realize some of us have children with special needs that may not fit into the story of the Prodigal Son, but many of them still need a purpose and Jesus.
Father God, guide me to be a good parent. Let me know when I’ve bailed my child out too often. I don’t deserve your love, mercy, and grace that allow me to ask easily for redemption. I want to be your hired servant, yet you still call me daughter/son, sister/brother, and friend. Thank you. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Daily Devotional Luke 15:17-19 – The Prodigal Son (Part 3) – Can evil be redeemed? – Online Bible Study – Commentary in easy English – Day 316
Thankfully, most children learn by their mistakes, ask to be forgiven and grow up to be responsible adults. Lots of kids who are brought up in a religious household stray from the fold during the teenage and young adult world because it is filled with many questions about religion and many other things. Their world is not spiritually driven. They are mostly thinking about themselves, their social experiences and their friends. I think that is pretty normal. Thankfully, God is still watching out for them.
There are way too many children of alcoholics and drug addicts that have little chance from day one. I really have a heart to help them, and I think God will show me how some day. Kids in public high schools and college are being driven away from God.
I saw these problems everyday at school. Child abuse, child neglect, alcohol and drugs. Your are right, most of these kids do not have a chance. There will be some of these children who will persevere through their childhood and grow up to be responsible adults. Many will end up on the streets or in prison. My heart ached for them and as much as you love them and try to help, it doesn’t fix the problem at home. The only thing at the end of the day that I could fall back on was at least they had a few good hours at school where they were loved and respected.
I think those few hours at school where they are loved and respected are important. I would love for some of those kids to be able to go to a Christian school where they could find out that God loves and respects them also. I know teachers at public schools aren’t allowed to tell children about Jesus.